‘Nothing in life is free’ goes the saying - but when it comes to debt solutions and debt advice, there is an exception to the rule.

While some companies offer ‘free’ advice and solutions with no strings attached, there are others promoting similar services, only to find hidden costs once a debt management plan is set up.

For consumers seeking help with debt problems it becomes increasingly difficult to know which way to turn for impartial advice and support.

Not sharing a money problem with a partner is more common than you think, says Payplan.

The free debt advice and solutions company helps over 100,000 people every year and says it is ‘incredibly normal’ not to tell a partner or loved one when you get into debt. It’s perfectly normal to feel guilty, embarrassed, worried about being judged, and even a failure. Payplan says these are all natural responses to the situation you’re in. But while you can’t talk to a partner or relation, you can share the burden with someone who can help. The Citizen’s Advice Bureau, National Debtline or a free provider such as Payplan are a listening ear, they can advise and, in most cases, they can help set up a plan to help you start managing your debt, and ultimately finding a way out of the problem. According to the Money Advice Trust it’s men who are more likely to hide their debt issues but Payplan says it receives calls from both sexes.

Meet Albert Edwards, an investment strategist for Societe Generale (or "SocGen" for short).

Though SocGen is a French bank, Mr. Edwards is based in Britain. It is there he has developed a reputation as "the City of London's best-known permabear" (via The New York Times).

Also via the NYT, Mr. Edwards has called for "a stock market collapse of at least 60 percent, followed by years of inflation of 20 to 30 percent as the persistent printing of money by central banks desperate to improve the situation sends prices soaring.

The mass media is obsessed with bubbles. They see market bubbles everywhere, like in crude oil, soft commodities or China... Granted, there are some serious issues with all three, especially with China and its consumption of the other two.

According to a report from a colleague of mine, there could be something happening with regard to China and its crude oil that could have a larger impact than what mainstream media has us concerned about. Follow this link to read more about China's secret oil "colony."   But the mainstream hasn't seen the market bubble I want to talk about today.   Remember the Dot-Com Era? I know I do. Specifically I remember the summer of 2000, which was the beginning of the end for many dot-com companies. One experience punctuated the end of the decade for me (and it wasn't the Y2K scare).